The basic process: what you need to do
To change your name on your driving licence, you submit your current licence along with proof of your legal name change to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. The exact steps and documents required vary by state, but the core requirement is the same everywhere: you must show that your name change is legal before the DMV will reissue your licence.
Most states let you submit documents by mail, in person, or through their online portal. Processing times range from a few days to several weeks depending on your state and whether you choose expedited service. You will receive a new licence with your updated name, and your old licence becomes invalid.
The cost varies by state—some charge nothing for a name-change reissue, while others charge a standard reissue fee of $10 to $30. A few states offer free reissues for name changes but charge for other types of updates.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a legal document proving your name change—a court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers—before the DMV will process your request.
- Each state has its own forms and submission method; check your state DMV website for the exact documents and process required in your location.
- You can usually submit your old licence and proof documents by mail or in person; some states now accept online submission through their portal.
- Processing takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks, and you will receive a new physical licence in the mail or can pick it up in person depending on your state.
What documents prove your name change is legal
The DMV will only accept specific documents as proof of a legal name change. A marriage certificate is the most common—it shows your maiden name and your new married name. A divorce decree or final divorce judgment that shows your name change is equally valid. If you changed your name through a court order (which some people do for reasons unrelated to marriage or divorce), you need the signed court order from the judge.
If you adopted a child or were adopted, the adoption decree serves as proof. Some states also accept a name change document issued by a tribal authority if you are changing your name through tribal law. A document from a foreign government showing a legal name change may work, but you will likely need an official English translation certified by a translator.
What does not count: a birth certificate with a different name, a Social Security card, a passport, or a letter from an employer. The DMV needs the actual legal document that changed your name, not documents that reflect the old name or that you obtained after the change.
How to find your state's specific requirements
Each state DMV has its own forms, fees, and submission process. The fastest way to find what you need is to visit your state's official DMV website and search for "name change" or "update licence." Most state sites have a dedicated page listing required documents and the form you need to complete.
If your state's website is unclear, call the DMV directly—the phone number is on the website. Have your current licence number and the type of name-change document you have (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) ready when you call. The staff can tell you exactly what to submit and whether you can do it by mail or must come in person.
Some states require you to visit in person for a name change; others allow mail submission. A few now offer online submission through their portal if you have a Real ID-compliant licence. Do not assume your state allows mail submission—confirm first.
Submitting by mail versus in person
If your state allows mail submission, you will typically send your current licence, the completed form, a copy of your legal name-change document, and payment (if required) to the address listed on the DMV website. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if the state requests it. Mail submission usually takes two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your package.
In-person submission is faster. You bring your old licence, the original or certified copy of your name-change document, the completed form, and payment to a DMV office. Staff will verify your documents on the spot, take a new photo if required, and you may receive a temporary licence when ready. Your permanent licence arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Some states now allow you to start the process online through their DMV portal, upload your documents, and then either pick up your new licence at an office or have it mailed to you. Check your state's website to see if this option is available.
What happens to your old licence
Once the DMV issues your new licence with your updated name, your old licence is no longer valid for identification or driving. You do not need to return it—most states straightforward deactivate it in their system. Some people keep the old licence for their records, while others destroy it.
If you lose your new licence before it arrives, contact the DMV when ready. They can issue a replacement or a temporary paper licence. If your new licence arrives damaged or with an error, return to the DMV with the damaged licence and they will reissue it.
Updating other documents after your licence changes
Changing your driving licence is usually the first step, but you will also need to update your name with other agencies and institutions. Your Social Security card, passport, vehicle registration, insurance policy, bank accounts, employer records, and any professional licences should all be updated to match your new name.
Start with Social Security because many other agencies ask for your Social Security number and will cross-check it against the Social Security Administration's records. You can update your Social Security name at your local Social Security office or by mail using Form SS-5. Bring your new driving licence as proof of your legal name change.
Your passport can be updated by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility. Vehicle registration is updated through your state's DMV, usually at the same time you change your licence or shortly after. Insurance companies, banks, and employers typically accept a copy of your new licence as proof of the name change.
If you need a name change for a minor
A minor's driving licence can only be changed by a parent or legal guardian. You will need to bring the minor's current licence, proof of the legal name change (marriage certificate, court order, adoption decree), the completed form, and payment to a DMV office in person. Some states require the minor to be present; others do not.
If the name change resulted from a custody or guardianship change, bring the court order showing the new guardian's name. If the minor was adopted, bring the adoption decree. The process is otherwise the same as for an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my name with Social Security before I change my licence?
No, but it is a good idea to do it soon after. The DMV does not require you to have already updated Social Security, but many other institutions will ask for your Social Security number and cross-check it. Updating Social Security first makes the rest of the process smoother.
What if I lost my marriage certificate or court order?
Contact the court that issued the document or the vital records office in the county where you were married or where the name change was ordered. They can issue a certified copy for a fee, usually $10 to $25. Some courts allow you to request a copy online or by mail. Bring the certified copy to the DMV.
Can I change my name on my licence if I am in the middle of a name-change court case?
No. The DMV will only accept a final court order or a completed legal document like a marriage certificate. If your case is still pending, you must wait until the judge signs the final order. Once you have the signed order, you can submit it to the DMV.
Will changing my name on my licence affect my driving record or insurance?
Your driving record stays with you—it is linked to your licence number and Social Security number, not your name. When you get a new licence with a new name, your old record transfers automatically. You should notify your insurance company of the name change so your policy matches your licence, but your rates and coverage do not change because of the name update itself.
How long does it take to get my new licence after I submit the paperwork?
If you submit in person, you may get a temporary licence the same day and your permanent licence by mail within one to two weeks. If you submit by mail, expect two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your package. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, which can cut the time in half.